Podcast Summary: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis Episode: The O'Reilly Update, May 26, 2025
Host: Bill O'Reilly
Release Date: May 26, 2025

1. Opening News Segment with Mike Slater

Timestamp: 00:38

Mike Slater kicks off the episode by highlighting key national and international events:

• Russia's Aerial Assault on Ukraine:
  Russia has launched its largest aerial assault in the ongoing three-year conflict, targeting Ukraine’s capital and other regions with missiles and drones over a 48-hour period.
  Quote: Ukrainian President Zelensky stated, "[Each] terrorist attack by Russia is a sufficient reason for new sanctions against Moscow. Putin is dragging out this war and continues to kill every day." (02:15)

• Harvard University Cancels Affinity Graduation Ceremonies:
  Harvard has decided to discontinue race-based graduation ceremonies to comply with the Trump administration's new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) guidelines. These ceremonies previously celebrated various identities, including Black, LGBTQ, and Hispanic students.
  Quote: Mike remarks, “Affinity ceremonies, can you believe these? These have been a thing for a long time.” (03:00)

• TripAdvisor’s Top U.S. Beaches for 2025:
  The report ranks St. Pete Beach in Florida as the best, followed by renowned spots like Waikiki Beach in Hawaii and Cape Cod in Massachusetts.
  Quote: “The best stretch of sand goes to St. Pete beach in the Sunshine State.” (04:00)

• Gallup Survey on Global Unhappiness:
  A recent Gallup survey reveals unprecedented levels of global stress and unhappiness, with 40% of people worldwide experiencing daily worries and 45% dealing with daily anxiety.
  Quote: “A survey from Gallup finds the world's population more stressed out than ever before.” (05:00)

Mike concludes the news segment by mentioning an upcoming Memorial Day tribute to Michael McMahon and his son Ricky.

2. Economic Concerns and Precious Metals Strategy

Timestamp: 03:27

Bill O'Reilly addresses the current economic challenges facing the United States:

• US Economy Under Strain:
  Highlights include the rising national debt and the impact of the ongoing trade war, which is unsettling the markets.

• China's Economic Maneuvers:
  China is actively selling off the US dollar and accumulating gold reserves, signaling distrust in the dollar's stability.

• Investment in Precious Metals:
  To safeguard his savings, Bill has invested in physical gold and silver through American Hartford Gold. He emphasizes the reliability and trustworthiness of this dealer, citing their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and numerous five-star reviews.
  Quote: “That's why I protected my savings with physical gold and silver through the only dealer I trust, American Hartford Gold.” (03:40)

3. Trump's Policy on Harvard’s International Students

Timestamp: 04:34

Mike Slater delves into the contentious issue of Harvard University’s international student enrollment:

• Revocation of SEVP Certification:
  President Donald Trump has removed Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which permits the university to enroll international students. This move restricts Harvard from issuing F or M visas necessary for international students to study in the U.S.
  Quote: “Every university that enrolls international students needs permission certification from ICE and Department of Homeland Security to issue an F or M visa for Form I20.” (04:40)

• Legal Challenges and Future Implications:
  Although a judge has temporarily halted the revocation, the decision is expected to proceed through the courts.
  Quote: “A judge stopped the administration from doing this, but it'll go through the courts.” (05:10)

• Homeland Security’s Stance:
  Kristi Noem, head of Homeland Security, views the enrollment of international students as a privilege rather than a right, linking it to higher tuition revenues that bolster Harvard’s multi-billion dollar endowment.
  Quote: “It is a privilege, not a right for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multi billion dollar endowments.” (05:45)

• Impact on Harvard and American Institutions:
  Mike argues that removing international students undermines Harvard’s mission and negatively impacts American educational institutions.
  Quote: “Harvard is situated in the United States physically, but its students and faculty hail from all over the world. That is fundamental to the work and mission of the institution.” (06:15)

• Broader Implications for America:
  Mike draws parallels between Harvard’s situation and broader American policies on immigration and labor, suggesting that America’s reliance on foreign talent is mirrored in educational institutions.
  Quote: “We have to open it up to illegal aliens. How long would it be until Americans wouldn't want to join that military?” (07:00)

4. Memorial Day Tribute to Michael and Ricky McMahon

Timestamp: 09:33

Mike Slater pays homage to the McMahon family, exemplifying military legacy and sacrifice:

• Legacy of Service:
  Ricky McMahon comes from a long line of military service members, including his great-grandfather who served in World War I, his grandfather in World War II, and his parents who both graduated from West Point in 2004.

• Tragic Loss and Continuing the Tradition:
  Ricky’s father, Lt. Col. Michael McMahon, was killed in a plane crash in Afghanistan. Despite this loss, Ricky has followed in his father's footsteps by joining the military, continuing the family's tradition of service.
  Quote: “Ricky is now one of those troops. He's one of those service members serving in the same tradition as his mother and father, grandfather and great grandfather.” (10:00)

• Symbolic Tribute at West Point:
  Ricky placed his father's class ring in a crucible alongside other rings from past West Point graduates, symbolizing the enduring legacy and unity of military service.
  Quote: “Ricky placed his dad's 1985 class ring in a crucible with other rings of past West Point grads. And that's all melted down to forge new rings for the class of 2025.” (11:00)

• Commencement Address by Trump:
  President Trump lauds Ricky and his family’s commitment, emphasizing the importance of military traditions in sustaining the nation.
  Quote: “You embody what this place is all about... America is not an idea. America is our home.” (11:30)

Mike concludes the tribute by reflecting on the significance of Memorial Day and honoring the bravery and legacy of military families like the McMahons.

5. Final Remarks

Mike Slater wraps up the episode with well wishes for Memorial Day, honoring the heroes who serve and the families that support them.

Timestamp: 09:33 - 12:44

Note: Advertisements, introductions, and non-content sections have been omitted from this summary to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights presented in the episode.